Introductions

In the series of journal accounts of a night by the border there will be shared accounts of those that surround the U.S. and Mexican border. Among those sharing are a rancher, a patrol guard, a near-by citizen, an illegal immigrant and more. Displaying the different accounts of each individual with a night by the border is the purpose of this online journal and to display that connection that everyone is involved in immigration. This story will soon be aired on ABC’s hit show 30/20.

My name is Dan Rosewood. I am a rancher living in South Texas and the Rosewood name has been living here for many generations. Until recently I lived with my family of six children and wife in our home overseeing our cattle and farm. I now live alone and I have sent my family to live in a bigger town about 25 miles away. Being a man of large stature I didn’t know I could fear anything until recently.

My name is Jon Hess. I work as a patrol guard of the U.S and Mexican border. I have a wife and recently added a new addition to our family. We now have a son who is growing up faster than I could wish. Working long hours at night I stand patrol at Puente Negro bridge that spans from Rio Grande, linking Cuidad Juarez to El Paso. I stand guard and have seen many immigrants been open fired on and have done so myself to protect my country.

My name is Julio. I won’t tell you my last name because I want to keep honor to my ancestors. Mi familia lives in Ciudad Juarez. I have lived there all my life. My job is a trafficker. I don’t traffic drugs just people; both illegal.

My name is Hailey Cooper. I live in Texas and am in high school. The majority of my friends at school are white with the exception of a couple of friends in our inner circle. We know that they are immigrants although they try to hide their heritage. Their skin tells it all along with their accents but they are still my friends and I would do anything for them.

Mi nombre no importa. Yo soy un inmigrante ilegal en este país. Tengo una familia de dos. Mi esposa y yo, no entendemos muy bien el Inglés a excepción de lo que nos enseñaron en la escuela hace muchos años. Yo soy un mexicano. En este país, que es lo que me define.

Translation: My name doesn't matter. I am an illegal alien in this country. I have a family of two. My wife and I, We don't understand English very well except for what we were taught in school so many years ago. I am a Mexican. In this country that is what defines me.